World Primary Immunodeficiency Week (WPIW) 22nd – 29th April 2014

Primary Immunodeficiency Disease (PID) is a rare condition whereby patients cannot fight off infections or viruses due to a compromised immune system. There are over 250 types of PID and, compared to international statistical data for incidence of PID, South Africa has a fraction of the number of patients diagnosed. This means that people with PID suffer or die for want of diagnostic blood tests and young children are the worst affected by this condition. Most patients with PID can lead significantly improved lives if their conditions are recognised early and treated properly. They are commonly dependent on antibody infusions which are produced from donated blood thus blood donors play an important role in supplying the blood products required.

PiNSA is a member of the International Patient Organisation for Primary Immunodeficiencies

During World PI Week organisers across the globe will join forces in creating awareness of these diseases by encouraging governments to put in place targeted campaigns to increase recognition of PID amongst the medical profession, parents, schools, day-care centres, and nurses.

For more information on this important initiative please contact the PiNSA secretary on pinsahelp@mweb.co.za.